To juxtapose means to place two different things side by side so you can compare them or see how they contrast. When you juxtapose things, you're deliberately putting them next to each other to highlight their differences or similarities.

A photographer might juxtapose images of a crowded city street and an empty country road to show two different ways of life. In an essay, you might juxtapose two characters from different books to show how they handle similar challenges differently. A museum might juxtapose ancient pottery with modern ceramics to help visitors see how the craft has evolved.

When you juxtapose ideas, images, or objects, you're creating a meaningful comparison by positioning them near each other. Teachers often ask students to juxtapose historical events or literary themes to deepen their understanding.

The key is that juxtaposition is intentional. You're not just randomly putting things together. You're making a choice to place them side by side because seeing them together reveals something interesting that you wouldn't notice if you looked at each thing separately. When a writer juxtaposes a character's hopeful words with their sad actions, readers notice the contrast and understand the character's inner conflict.